NIC nursing student Jennifer Huffman and Alberni Valley Lions Club President Tom Hall share a moment at the NIC Foundation awards in Port Alberni. Huffman has received nearly $3,000 in bursaries in the past three years, thanks to generous Port Alberni donors.
Jennifer Huffman and 46 NIC students in Port Alberni received a record $26,000 in
NIC scholarships and bursaries this year, thanks to the
generous support of the Port Alberni community.
“The support I received from bursaries has helped me financially, psychologically
and emotionally,” said Huffman, who spoke on behalf of student at a special NIC Foundation
Awards reception in Port Alberni this month.
“Knowing the community I live in supports my efforts to obtain a degree makes me feel
valued and recognized; this means a great deal to me.”
Huffman started her academic career in NIC’s Licensed Practical Nursing diploma program
in Port Alberni and now commutes to the Comox Valley to complete her Bachelor of Science
in Nursing degree. Returning to school as a mature single mother is difficult, she
says, but she is optimistic about the opportunities that await her with this additional
level of education.
The nearly $3,000 she received over the past three years has been crucial to her educational
success. This year, she received a $500 Alberni Valley Lions Club Bursary from Club
President Tom Hall as well as $200 from the Alberni Valley Medical Society.
“It was inspiring to hear Jennifer’s story,” Hall said. “To learn of the impact our
contributions make reinforces to our members why we need to continue to support post‐secondary
students.”
The NIC Foundation partners with individuals and community organizations to provide
scholarships and bursaries to students. 2017 was a record year for Port Alberni students
with 17 more students receiving awards than in 2015, a 57 per cent increase. Students
also received $8,245 more in awards, in the same period.
“Each and every one our donors should be very proud for helping so many students in
furthering their education,” said NIC Foundation Board Secretary Ilona Horgen. “Education
is a commodity that never depreciates through a person’s life time and I would like
to thank all of our donors for their dedication and generosity in making these gifts
a reality.”
This year, the non‐profit organization distributed $290,000 to NIC students across
the region through 375 separate awards.
“The amount of support the NIC Foundation will distribute to students this year speaks
to the generosity of our communities,” said Randall Heidt, NIC Vice President, Strategic
Initiatives. “We see the difference scholarships and bursaries make for our students
and we are incredibly grateful to the people who make these awards possible.”
The NIC Foundation has been advancing student success, education and community growth
through NIC for more than 25 years. It supports NIC students through scholarships
and bursaries, equips classrooms with current technology and ensures the best possible
learning facilities are accessible on the Central and North Island. It envisions a
future where every student has the opportunity to pursue post‐secondary education,
train for a new career or develop employable skills to support themselves and their
families.
To support the NIC Foundation and make a difference in the lives of post‐secondary
students, visit www.foundation.nic.bc.ca, call 250‐334‐5085 or email foundation@nic.bc.ca.
Applications for 2018 awards are available starting March 1, 2018. For a complete
list of awards, visit foundation.nic.bc.ca/students.
Media Contact:
Christiana Wiens
Media Liaison, North Island College
O. 250‐334‐5280 | M. 250‐218‐4097
christiana.wiens@nic.bc.ca